Fires without a permit not worth the risk!

The importance of obtaining a fire permit before burning anything and the risk of accidental fires could not be over emphasised as temperatures continued to soar in the Far North, Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston said today.

 

"People need to be aware of just how volatile the fire risk is as vegetation dries off as a result of high temperatures, low humidity and no significant rain. A point has been reached at which even a small spark or cigarette butt could lead to a potentially serious fire," he said today.

"On one day this week four fires were reported in the Kerikeri area alone, all of which were deliberately lit without a fire permit. It is very concerning that people are still either unaware of the restrictions or are choosing to ignore them," he said.

A restricted fire season was introduced across the Far North last week, with a total fire ban operative in the Aupouri/Karikari Fire District.

"This means that open fires can only be lit with the express permission of the Far North District Council. In the case of the Aupouri/Karikari Fire District, no fires can be lit and this even includes laying down a hangi, without a permit from either the council or the Department of Conservation," he said.

Mr Johnston said there was no real reason for people not to seek a fire permit as the service was free of charge and the permit could be initiated by a telephone call.

"The risk to the environment, including Kiwi habitats and native bush, and the risk to property is just too high at the present time to ignore the restrictions.

"An illegally ignited fire could involve those responsible in huge costs. For example if we have to call in a helicopter to help fight a fire which is out of control, the cost per hour is around $2500. The council will initiate prosecutions and will seek to recover all fire-fighting costs," he said.

Mr Johnston said the council was appealing for the co-operation of the public while the fire risk remained high.